Coal block losses create uproar in Rajya Sabha

The Rajya Sabha was today adjourned for 15 minutes following Opposition uproar over CAG reportedly pointing to a loss of over Rs 1,80,000 crore to the exchequer in allotment of coal blocks to private companies. As soon as the House met for the day, Rajiv Pratap Rudy (BJP) said he has given a notice for suspension of Question Hour to take up discussion on the CAG report.

"There is no suspension of Question Hour," Chairman Hamid Ansari said. "You cannot raise questions that are not listed." Rudy was joined by other BJP members including Prakash Javadekar who flashed, what he claimed, a letter from the CVC recommending a CBI probe in the coal block allocation.

"This is not going on record," Ansari said. Rudy said CVC had some 30 minutes back sent a letter informing of its recommendation of CBI probe but Ansari said nothing was going on record. Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Rajiv Shukla said the CAG report has not yet been tabled. "Where is the report? Report has not been tabled," he said. Ansari said CAG reports are tabled and discussions are held only after that. "It can't be taken up in this manner. You cannot do this," he ruled before adjourning the House for 15 minutes.

PTI